Suresh Rangaswamy, a student of Christel House Bangalore, tells Nikhil Dawar about his experience in Adobe Youth Voice summit held in California recently
Tell us about the Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) programmeIJ
AYV is the Adobe Foundation’s global initiative to increase creativity amongst youth across the world. It ignites young people’s creative confidence using advanced digital media tools and tested storytelling techniques. This programme has helped me in bringing out my creative skills. I’ve been working in the AYV programme for the past five years and it has improved my knowledge in media tools which helps me in putting my thoughts creatively.
How was your experience visiting the US for this summitIJ
The AYV summit was a life time experience. Santa Clara at California, USA is a beautiful city with people who are friendly in nature. I learnt a lot about traditions and customs of various countries and also taught them few things about India. The most memorable moment of the summit is working with other children on a project as an activity. We all brainstormed about the idea and had loads of fun in executing it. Each one of us was learning something new from others and the environment was very friendly.
What is Jyothirgamaya all aboutIJ
Jyothirgamaya is a music video created to inspire children about education which is a very critical aspect of life. Since most of the children in my society didn’t get an opportunity to study, I thought this would be a good idea to encourage them.
Where did you get the idea from for this videoIJ
We were a team of 8 to 10 people who created this video along with our mentors. We discussed about various things and decided that we should focus on social issues since most of us echoed similar concerns about getting good education. We conceptualised and created the complete video in one month.
Who all helped you in the making of this videoIJ
My schoolmates from Christel House helped me a lot in creating this video. All my mentors played an important role in making this dream of ours come alive. They taught us to complete our project in a streamlined manner and helped us along the way. They helped us put our ideas together and present it in an accurate manner. I dedicate this video to my school Christel House India and all my teachers without whom I wouldn’t have been able to come so far.
How can we use music as an effective tool for educationIJ
Music is the purest form of art expression and attracts every one on their own terms and get inspired by it. Conveying an important information through music is a very effective tool in education sector. Also, technology plays an important role since it helps us in creating various mediums of communications such as videos, music, posters etc. Such creative platforms make it easy for people to understand the issue and address it.
What were the difficulties faced during the projectIJ
The most difficult aspect in the video was the music part since none of us had learned music before this but Thomas sir guided us and trained us in this field and made it possible for us.
Tell us about your familyIJ
My father is a plumber and is the sole earning member of my family. My mother is a housewife and can’t work since she is suffering from TB. I also have a brother who just passed out of school and had to start working as a sales man so that he can support our family.
Your aim in lifeIJ
I want to become an architect when I grow up since I’m very interested in designing and drawings. I would like to give my family a decent life and also support my society with every possible means once I start earning.